History, Present, and Future of Public Health and the Organizations With Influence [WLO: 1] [CLO: 2]
Prior to beginning work on this discussion, please read Chapters 1, 2, and 3 of the course textbook. Now that you have reviewed the general history of public health and reviewed some of the organizations that have influence at the national, state, and local levels, what do you feel is the biggest health issue facing your community? Present an assessment, policy, and assurance scan for this health issue. In your post,
- Explain what has been the historical progression of the health issue you have chosen (e.g., is it improving, worsening, reaching a plateau?).
- List approximately how many are affected.
- Describe the demographic information of those affected.
- Explain if there are any policies in place to address this health issue.
- Describe if the policies been effective.
- Explain what policies you would implement to cause a positive change.
- Explain what assurances you would utilize to maintain the positive change from your proposed policy.
Expert Solution Preview
The biggest health issue facing our community is the increasing prevalence of obesity. Obesity has been a growing problem globally, and our community is no exception. The historical progression of this health issue shows a worrying trend of worsening. Over the years, the number of individuals affected by obesity has been on the rise. According to recent data, approximately 30% of adults and 15% of children in our community are affected by obesity.
When looking at the demographic information of those affected, it is evident that obesity does not discriminate. It affects individuals of all ages, genders, and socioeconomic backgrounds. However, certain subgroups within our community, such as those from lower-income households or minority populations, may face a higher risk of obesity due to limited access to healthy food options and resources for physical activity.
There are policies in place to address this health issue, but their effectiveness is debatable. Some of the existing policies include nutrition education programs in schools, restrictions on the marketing of unhealthy foods to children, and increased availability of healthy food options in low-income neighborhoods. However, despite these efforts, the prevalence of obesity continues to rise.
To cause a positive change, I would propose implementing a comprehensive approach that encompasses multiple levels of intervention. Firstly, at the individual level, I would advocate for the inclusion of nutrition and physical education in school curriculum to ensure that children receive proper education on healthy lifestyle choices. Additionally, promoting community-based initiatives that encourage physical activity, such as walking or cycling groups, can help create a culture of active living.
At the community level, I would work towards increasing access to affordable and nutritious food by collaborating with local farmers and establishing community gardens. These measures can help address the issue of food deserts and provide healthier options for residents. Furthermore, partnerships with local businesses can be fostered to promote healthier food choices and limit the availability of unhealthy snacks and beverages.
To maintain the positive change resulting from these policies, assurances must be put in place. This includes ongoing monitoring and evaluation of the implemented interventions to assess their effectiveness and make necessary modifications. Additionally, engaging community members through education and awareness campaigns can help sustain behavior change and prevent relapse.
In conclusion, the biggest health issue facing our community is obesity. Its historical progression has been worsening, and a significant percentage of our population is affected. While there are existing policies, their effectiveness is limited. To create a positive change, a comprehensive approach that addresses individual, community, and policy-level factors is needed. Assurances such as monitoring and community engagement are essential for maintaining the positive change.
